9 replies to this topic

[m_thread]

Hi

I am thinking of making my own FPV oriented quad design. I really like the designs that have popped up lately like the HT-FPV, Quad_Addicts Iconic-X, Explorer c511 and the QAV500.
To get me started I would like to get a feeling about the size and dimensions of these things. I'm aiming towards using 10-11" props with a prop-free GoPro arrangement.

So those of you lucky enough to own one of these quads could maybe help me with some measurements like the Motor-to-Motor size, the width, height and length of the main body frame. I would prefer to have it in metric (mm) units

This is NOT going to be a commercial project. This is just my way of having fun with my CNC router and some PC plastic sheets If the design I got in my head works, it will be dirt-cheap to make and very easy to assemble. And on top of that extremely durable.
If successful I would love to donate the resulting CAD/CAM files to the OP project.

Thanks in advance.

/Fredrik

[c4.]

i also want to get into making frames,,, which cnc do you have or recommend ?

[c4.]

btw , i found this site some time back,

they have nice cad frames ready to be cnced,

http://ng.uavp.ch/mo...onstruction/CAD

[m_thread]

Hi
Yes making frames by yourself is very rewarding Not only can you save heaps of money, you feel really good when you designed and fabricated something by yourself.
Regarding CNC machines and some does and dont's please read this topic Low cost CNC machine.

/F

[c4.]

nice thread ,,, thanks for pointing me to it

[DanZ]

After assembling my QAV500 over the weekend and having a look at the clearance between the props and the gopro/fpv cam I would suggest a larger motor to motor distance of say 550mm. At the moment it is far too close for my liking.

[ov3rmind]

Very cool. Keep us posted on your progress. I ordered a whole bunch of dji 550 arms to do the exact same thing. I'm tired of $100+ frames.

Going to cut a set of lexan plates "TBS Discovery"-style, but without all the frills and built in pcb. Planning to throw something in cad then trace over a lexan sheet. Dremel for inner holes, and thinking of cutting the sheets out with a cheap one of these that I have collecting dust: http://www.harborfre...-saw-93012.html

[m_thread]

I will cut the lexan/PC sheets on my cnc. Its not as good and clean as with a laser cutter but it is very good.

I will just have to find the time to cad it since I spend all free time hacking on GCS now...
/F

[carbo]

Which CAD system are you using? I like the idea of having an affordable, community-created frame concept for cnc routers (and possibly 3d printers). I can contribute in Creo/ProE or Inventor.

[MikeH]

As an avid builder and CNCer my recommendation is to just jump in and build one. Take a look around for ideas but don't look for exact dimensions, think about what you plan on mounting on the frame and go from there. Most prop free gopro frames depend on very large frame plates so using PC abs or Lexan may not be the best material for this. While ABS and Lexan are "tough" and impact resistant they don't have the necessary rigidity for making large frame plates. G10 is your best bet. Here was my way of solving the huge plate problem. It is not entirely prop free but pretty close. http://forums.openpi...he-spider-quad/